Compiled by Nicola Jayasundera

SRI LANKA’S BINDING FORCE

Thusath Dissanayake reflects on our differences and how they can unite us

Q: What’s the good, the bad and the ugly in Sri Lanka?

A: These three aspects can be summarised in three words – viz. caring, carefree and careless. The good lies in our deeply rooted sense of community, compassion and ability to care for one another as if they’re our own kin. This makes Sri Lanka a beacon of warmth and generosity.

The bad stems from a carefree attitude, which has often gone overboard, leading people to shun responsibility and engage in actions they should avoid.

And the ugly is the carelessness with which we as a people make decisions, especially when selecting those who we place in positions of power – which eventually comes back to haunt us as recent history recalls.

Q: And what are the challenges facing the nation today?

A: The fact of the matter is that for much of the nearly eight decades since gaining independence – except for a few outliers – Sri Lanka has been crippled by years of economic turmoil and political instability.

The post-pandemic era saw the country in one of its most vulnerable states since perhaps at the height of the nearly three decade long conflict. Currently, the main challenge for the nation is to navigate towards calmer waters and steer clear of any potential calamities that may unfold.

Q: Do you believe that Sri Lanka will be united one day – and if so, why?

A: There is no perfect world and idealising one is a fallacy – however, we can attempt to come close to it. It is our differences that make us who we are; and only by accepting and embracing these differences can we as a community unite as one.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: I hope to have completed my higher education and with time, launch my first service based startup. Over the next 10 years, I aim to lay a strong foundation for my adulthood to avoid the challenges one faces later in life.

Q: And where do you see Sri Lanka in a decade from today?

A: It is difficult to predict what the future holds but compared to where we were just a few years ago when we hit rock bottom, the seeds of growth are now being sown for a better Sri Lanka – hopefully within the next decade.

The wake up call in 2022 was a much needed awakening, driving home the message to citizens that we needed to do something – and do something fast.

Q: Who is responsible for climate change and global warming – and what must be done about it?

A: During the 13th century, Genghis Khan’s brutal conquests resulted in a reduction of 700 million tonnes of carbon, highlighting the impact of human activity – some more than others – on the planet’s environment throughout its four billion year history.

The brunt force of the repercussions of three centuries of fossil fuel consumption has put the planet on life support. The only way forward is to reverse this calamity through global cooperation and a heavily coordinated effort to solve this world altering concern.

Q: How do you view the growing importance of social media today?

A: Even though polls and surveys on the topic of social media often lean towards criticism rather than support, its crucial role in playing a part in supporting free speech and creative expression is often understated.

This is one contributing factor that led to the mass adoption and popularisation of social media since the early 2000s, and still remains a major reason why individuals continue to stay active on these platforms.

Q: And where do you see the world in 10 years’ time?

A: ‘89 seconds to midnight’ is indicative that the world is navigating turbulent waters with the looming danger that is written large on the face of the Doomsday Clock. The next decade will witness drastic shifts in the balance of power between the East and the West, alongside a world dominated by AI.

While all signs point to a slow creep towards dystopia, it is difficult to manifest what will ultimately come to fruition. Never before has the uncertainty about the future loomed this large.